Iconic Portugal & Spain

Historic cities, colourful culture, and architectural landmarks come together on this 15-day itinerary of Spain and Portugal. Your trusted CEO will lead you through medieval complexes, local farms, and the Moorish masterpiece that is the Alhambra, enlisting knowledgeable local guides and hosts along the way. Immersive and informative, this itinerary through Western Europe satisfies the intellectual curiosities of those that wish to do more than simply cross a destination off their list.

Discover Portugal’s architectural gems, from the colorful manors of Sintra to the Roman temples of Évora, Enjoy a mesmerizing Fado music performance in Lisbon, and take in a traditional flamenco show in Seville, Venture into Portugal’s countryside to learn about the production of cork and olive harvesting, Marvel at the splendid Moorish architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra in Granada.

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

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Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lisbon (1D)

Arrive in time for a traditional Portuguese dinner and Fado music performance in Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Additional Notes:
To ensure you are able to join the group for dinner, please arrive in Lisbon by 4pm.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal

Day 2 Lisbon (1B)

Escape reality during a visit the fairytale town of Sintra and lose yourself exploring the colourful manors, medieval palaces, and lush gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is free to discover Lisbon.

Day 3 Lisbon/Évora (1B)

Travel to Évora in the heart of the Alentejo region, enjoying a tour to the haunting, but mesmerizing Chapel of Bones and visit Diana’s Temple, one of the best preserved Roman temples on the Iberian Peninsula.

Included Activities:
Chapel of Bones Visit
Diana Roman Temple

Transport:
Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))

Day 4 Évora (1B, 1L)

Visit a cork farm and learn about the cork production, as well as other activities particular to the Alentejo region like honey production and olive harvesting. Enjoy a traditional cork stripper’s meal before returning back to Évora for free time.

Included Activities:
Cork Farm Experience

Day 5 Évora/Coimbra (1B)

Continue to Tomar, where we visit the Templar Castle. Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, grand master of the Knights Templar, the vast complex of the Convent of Christ is an incredible feat of medieval architecture. Continue on to Coimbra for the evening.

Day 6 Coimbra/Porto (1B)

This morning, enjoy a tour around the University of Coimbra, Portugal’s most prestigious university and a World Heritage Site. Enter through the 10th-century Porta Férra, the old entrance to the citadel of Coimbra. Walk through the campus along mosaic cobblestone paths and visit the ornate Joanina Library, Chapel of São Miguel and the botanical gardens. Late, catch the train to Porto.

Included Activities:
University of Coimbra Visit

Transport:
Local train (1.50 hour(s), 120km)

Day 7 Porto (1B)

Board a boat down Portugal’s “river of gold”, floating along the route that port shippers took to age their fortified wines. Take in the sites of the rolling green, terraced hills of the Porto region. The remainder of the day is free to explore.

Included Activities:
Douro Valley Cruise
Port Wine Cellar Visit

Day 8 Porto/Madrid

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Transport:
Plane (1.25 hour(s))

Day 9 Madrid (1B)

Other options for exploring the city include the Palacio Real, Real Jardin Botánico or Escorial. Experience more nightlife at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña. Taste some sangria and dance to the latest music.

Additional Notes:
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Prado Museum.

Included Activities:
Historic City of Toledo visit

Transport:
Local bus (1.00 hour(s))
Local bus (1.00 hour(s))

Day 10 Madrid/Córdoba (1B)

Córdoba’s gastronomy features cuisine steeped in Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions. Head out tonight to sample some local food. Try the thick, hearty stew called “caldereta de cordero” or cool off with “ajo blanco,” a hearty white gazpacho soup.

Day 11 Córdoba/Granada (1B)

Opt to visit the Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation or the Royal Chapel before your Flamenco class.

Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Flamenco Dancing Experience

Transport:
Local bus (3.00 hour(s))

Day 12 Granada (1B)

After visiting the Alhambra, opt to wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin, with its narrow lanes and fantastic views. This is a great place to go to catch the sunset.

In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.

Included Activities:
Alhambra Guided Tour

Day 13 Granada/Seville (1B)

This morning, journey to Seville, one of the most colourful and exciting cities in Spain. Take an orientation walk with the CEO and opt to visit the cathedral Giralda or Casa Pilatos, or enjoy a traditional flamenco show.

Additional Notes:
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.

Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Santa Cruz Quarter Visit

Transport:
Local bus (4.00-5.00 hours)

Day 14 Seville (1B)

Have a chance to savour some tapas at the city’s many bars and cafés.

Additional Notes:
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.

Day 15 Seville (1B)

Depart at any time.

Additional Notes:
We recommend staying a few extra nights to better explore Seville at your leisure.